Jaipur: Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RVUNL) will commission 1,000 MWh of its planned 6,000 MWh battery energy storage system by September 2025, with the remaining capacity scheduled for completion by September 2027. This initiative marks a significant push to firm up the state's renewable power supply and reduce curtailment of surplus renewable energy.
Additional Storage Proposal
Separately, the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd has proposed another 6,000 MWh of storage capacity paired with 2,450 MW of solar generation at the under-construction Pugal Solar Park. However, tendering has not yet begun as the project awaits approval from the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC).
Grid Reliability and Efficiency
The battery projects are designed to store surplus solar generation during the day and discharge during peak demand periods. This approach is expected to improve grid reliability, reduce wastage of renewable energy, and enhance overall efficiency of the state's power system.
Regulatory Framework
The push for battery storage has gained momentum following the notification of RERC's Battery Energy Storage System Regulations. These regulations provide a comprehensive framework for planning, procurement, ownership, and operation of storage assets across the state's power sector.
Under the new rules, state power distribution companies (discoms) and the State Transmission Utility (STU) are required to periodically assess storage requirements and identify substations where battery systems can be deployed to support grid operations. The framework allows utilities to use storage for renewable energy integration, peak demand management, voltage and frequency control, congestion relief, and ancillary services.
Expert Insights
Industry experts highlight that the regulations are particularly significant for Rajasthan, where solar generation often exceeds local demand during daylight hours, forcing grid operators to curtail renewable energy output. Battery systems can store surplus electricity generated during the day and release it during evening peak demand, improving grid efficiency and reducing energy wastage.
Ownership Models
The regulations also permit multiple ownership models, including utility-owned, developer-owned, and consumer-owned storage systems. For large utility-scale projects, competitive bidding is mandated to ensure cost-effective deployment.
This strategic move aligns with Rajasthan's ambitious renewable energy targets and aims to address the intermittency challenges associated with solar power, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
